Poland's plan to resist a Russian attack

NPR

Published May 14, 2025 at 10:14 AM EDT

A parade celebrating Poland's Armed Forces Day in 2024. The holiday commemorates the 1920 victory over Soviet Russia at the Battle of Warsaw in the Russo-Polish War.

As a neighbor of Ukraine's and host to more than 2 million of its war refugees, Poland has seen, heard and felt what Russia is capable of, and it's now preparing for the worst.

This year, Poland will spend nearly 5% of its GDP on defense, more than any other NATO member, including the U.S.

NPR's Rob Schmitz has the story of the country's plan to train every adult in Poland for war.

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